KAMPALA — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday he was "shocked" by a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and demanded a full investigation.

"I am shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on boats carrying supplies for Gaza," the UN chief said at a press conference following the opening in Uganda of a key conference on the International Criminal Court.

"I condemn this violence," Ban added, as an Israeli television channel reported that as many as 19 pro-Palestinian activists may have been killed in the Israeli military raid.

"It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place," Ban said.

"I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation," he added, moments after delivering a speech hailing the "new age of accountability" heralded by the creation of the ICC in 2002.

The Hague-based tribunal, of which Israel is not a member, is the world's first permanent court mandated to bring perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide to justice.

The UN chief said that a detailed account of the incident was needed before the international community could coordinate its response.

"I'm sure that there will be enough time for the international community to assess the proper response including through the United Nations," he explained.

"Right now, what is absolutely vital is that we first have a full account of the incident, what had happened, and Israel must provide the full explanation on this.

"For any further course of action I will have to discuss with member states of the United Nations Security Council or other concerned parties," Ban said.

"I understand that the league of Arab states may be meeting in an urgent session so we will actively coordinate with concerned parties," he added.

Speaking from Doha, Arab League chief Amr Mussa slammed the deadly Israeli raid as a "crime" and warned it had thrown into doubt the latest US-backed Middle East peace efforts.

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All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately

KAMPALA — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday he was "shocked" by a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and demanded a full investigation.

Sicking, he calls for an investigation! This gives the masters time to spin it, to stage it every which way but loose.....This slaughter is in their faces and they call for an investigation!!! WTF for, to bend the reality.......

These assholes are firing at the boats after they have raised white flags, this is an act of state terror/piracy.

I wonder if alex is going to avoid this whole story just because Israel is involved, I swear if he doesn't call them out on this or say something about it im debating on continuing to listen to him.

Alex really has been a big let-down on the British Petromonopoly crisis - I was both stung and astonished by his capricious glossing-off of the Obama Gulf of Mexico Corporatist Oil Crisis Catastrophe (second oil fissure leak) as some mere sort of a "minor problem" yesterday. He was trying to make it sound as if it was no big deal - happens all the time, not to worry.

Viper

..I was both stung and astonished by his capricious glossing-off of the Obama Gulf of Mexico Corporatist Oil Crisis Catastrophe (second oil fissure leak) as some mere sort of a "minor problem" yesterday. He was trying to make it sound as if it was no big deal - happens all the time, not to worry.

The Greek foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that it had summoned Israeli ambassador, demanding an "immediate" report on the safety of about 30 Greek citizens on board the boats targeted in international waters before reaching the Gaza Strip.

The foreign ministry said it asked for "immediate information concerning the safety of Greek citizens on board the boats... and stressed the need to take the necessary measures to ensure their security," AFP quoted the statement as saying.

Meanwhile, the Greek defense ministry announced Athens's decision to withdraw from joint military exercises with Israel in protest at Israel's raid which reportedly killed some 20 people and left more than 50 injured.

In Sweden, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt expressed concern over the reported casualties and said it was crucial to "quickly establish" what had happened with the Gaza-bound flotilla which was carrying pro-Palestinian activists and tons of humanitarian aid.

"We have summoned the Israeli ambassador to get information," said Bildt, who is currently visiting Italy, adding he had also been in touch with the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to ensure that the EU gives a "clear response during the day when we get a clearer picture of what has happened."

Spain, who holds the rotating EU presidency, also summoned Israel's ambassador for an explanation for the deadly raid on the six aid ships, aboard which were at least three Spanish aid workers.

In Berlin, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle voiced "deep concern" at the reports of deaths caused by the Israeli attack on the aid convoy.

"The initial news is alarming," said Westerwelle, adding German officials were seeking more details into the incident.

The aid convoy Gaza Freedom Flotilla, co-organized by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), was carrying tens of thousands of humanitarian aid for the blockaded Gaza Strip, and had more than 700 Palestinian and international activists onboard.

MVZ/MRS

The initial news is alarming," said Westerwelle, adding German officials were seeking more details into the incident.

MORE DETAILS..........Oh ya, there will be more, THE SPIN. you can bet your bippy on it.

Am I a cynic, I have this feeling this was sanctioned, come on folks, IZ has gotten away with the laughter of Americas sons = SS Liberty, the marine baracks bombers, Mossad knew and withheld a warning. The genocide in gaza from the start was sancioned and full support given..

rand Paul states.I've obtained a document that the Rand Paul campaign is circulating to those interested in his views on Israel, and it's interesting to see how the positions he's taking as a Republican Senate candidate in Kentucky differ from those adopted by his father, Rep. Ron Paul, a harsh critic of U.S.-Israel ties."Israel and the United States have a special relationship," Rand's position paper begins. "With our shared history and common values, the American and Israeli people have formed a bond that unites us across the many thousands of miles between our countries and calls us to work together towards peace and prosperity for our countries."Rand goes on to support free trade with Israel, call for divestment from Iran, and "strongly object to the arrogant approach of (the) Obama administration" toward the peace process. "Only Israel can decide what is in her security interest, not America and certainly not the United Nations," he asserts. In one clear departure from his father, Rand states that:As a United States Senator, I would never vote to condemn Israel for defending herself. Whether it is fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon, combating Hamas-linked terrorists in Gaza or dealing with potential nuclear threats in the Persian Gulf, Israeli military actions are completely up to the leaders and military of Israel, and Israel alone

Isarel alone, My arseeeeeeeeeeee..................A carbon copy of his dad, he is not.

I believe AJ was commenting about the 'natural' seepage from the Ocean floor, and from what I can gather he is right ... to a degree. Nobody knows for sure exactly how much crude bubbles up through natural fissures, but for the Gulf of Mexico it is estimated at about two EXXON VALDEZ spills per YEAR. This is a natural amount and marine life and environment has evolved to handle that quantity.

At this point this catastrophe is dumping about an Exxon Valdez about every FOUR DAYS ... nearly a HUNDRED Valdez's per year! And will no doubt increase as the holes get larger and the sea floor gives away.

The only thing WORSE than this being an INTENTIONAL attack by TPTB .... is that it is NOT intentional, that it is indeed a runaway VOLCANO of toxic crude, a catastrophe of truly BIBLICAL PROPORTION, with no end in sight.

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St. Augustine: “The truth is like a lion; you don't have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself."

Where is the aid convoy (flotilla) at this point? Are they escorted by the IsraHell navy to some harbour where they will seize all the people and merchandise on board and ship all these people home after they check them out up and down and sidewise?

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The Sky is My Home

Viper

Where is the aid convoy (flotilla) at this point? Are they escorted by the IsraHell navy to some harbour where they will seize all the people and merchandise on board and ship all these people home after they check them out up and down and sidewise?

ASHDOD, Israel - Naval commandos can be seen rappelling down from helicopters then pointing assault rifles, in some of the dramatic footage of Israel's deadly pre-dawn raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla on Monday.

Israel says the troops returned fire after they were attacked with live rounds, knives and clubs, but the organizers of the Gaza blockade busting bid insist the soldiers started shooting the moment they hit the deck.

Only limited footage of the incident has been broadcast as communications with the six ships participating in the flotilla appeared to have been scrambled during the operation some reports say left 19 passengers dead and 36 wounded.

Several soldiers also were reported to have been wounded.

In images posted on the Internet and broadcast on several television stations including the pan-Arab Al-Jazeera network, Bandaged men can be seen lying on stretchers in the shaky images that show complete chaos aboard what appears to be the Turkish ship "Mavi Marmara."

An Al-Jazeera correspondent on board the ship said the Israeli soldiers continued shooting even though a white flag of surrender had been raised.

He said hundreds of Israeli troops attacked the ships and that the captain was among those wounded.

Indications are that most, if not all of those killed were aboard the Marmara, which carried most of more than 700 pro-Palestinian activists who hoped to make their way towards the Gaza Strip.

Military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi said the situation aboard the large ferry, owned by the IHH Islamic charity, was different from that on the other five ships.

"There was extreme violence from the moment that our forces reached the ship, it was premeditated and included weapons, iron bars, knives and at a certain stage firearms, perhaps in some cases weapons that were snatched from soldiers," he said.

A Greek vessel was also among those that came under attack.

"There was an attack with live bullets against the Greek boat Sfendoni and the Turkish boat Mavi Marmara, with helicopters and inflatable boats," a Greek non-governmental organization said in a statement.

Greta Berlin said the last message received before the raid said: "All is calm, the Israeli warships are on our bow, let's sleep."

Then, a message posted on Twitter by the pro-Palestinian activists said the Israeli military had made contact. "Intervention is imminent," a message from aboard the Challenger 1 passenger vessel said.

Next came news from the Mavi Marmara, reporting two people were killed. Later reports indicated that 19 activists had died.

The Sfendoni and another ship could be seen being towed under military escort to the southern Israeli port of Ashdod where authorities have set up special facilities to process the detained activists. The other ships were expected to follow.

Israeli naval forces stormed a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters before dawn on Monday, killing up to 19 pro-Palestinian activists, most of them reportedly Turkish nationals.

The bloody ending to the high-profile mission to deliver supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip plunged Israel into a diplomatic crisis on the eve of talks between President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As Israel pointed the finger of blame at passengers for initiating the violence, accusing them of using deadly force, activists from the ships countered with their own descriptions of how events unfolded in raid which took place in international waters at around 5am (12:00 AEST).

Live footage taken from the Turkish passenger boat, which was posted all over the internet, showed black-clad Israeli commandos rappelling down from helicopters and clashing with activists, as well as several wounded people lying on the deck of the ship.

"Under darkness of night, Israeli commandos dropped from a helicopter onto the Turkish passenger ship, Mavi Marmara, and began to shoot the moment their feet hit the deck," according to a report on the website of the Free Gaza Movement.

The shaky footage shows scenes of chaos, with the dark profiles of Israel missile boats looming in the background.

The Israeli army insisted its troops opened fire only after they were attacked with knives, clubs and even live fire.

Fairfax Journalist Paul McGeough and photographer Kate Geraghty were out of communication for some hours after the clash, sparking concern for their welfare.

"We are pleased to report that Paul McGeough and Kate Geraghty, who are among the most experienced and well-trained Australian foreign correspondents, are safe, and being processed in an Israeli detention centre," Sydney Morning Herald Editor in Chief Peter Fray said.

"We remain hopeful that they will be allowed to do their job, and that they will have a terrific story to tell when they are released."

Mr Fray said his company had made representations to the Israeli and Australian governments seeking safe passage for the pair.

Unconfirmed media reports from Hamas' Al Aqsa television said up to 20 passengers had been killed, of whom nine were Turkish nationals.

Israeli private channel 10 television reported that Israeli marine commandos had opened fire after being attacked with axes and knives by a number of the passengers on board the aid ships. It did not give the source of its information.

Paul McGeough with the flotilla

It was not clear whether the clashes took place on just one of the six boats making up the aid convoy.

Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television showed footage of black-clad Israeli commandos descending from helicopters and clashing with activists, as well as several wounded people lying on the deck of the ship.

Israeli Defence Force radio was reporting passengers on board the aid-laden convoy of boats tried to wrest weapons from Israeli soldiers, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The Free Gaza organisation said on Twitter that its lawyer in the northern Israeli coastal city of Haifa said 10 people had been killed.

The group said the boats were being taken into Haifa by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).

A Turkish diplomat said the Israeli ambassador was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry today after a Turkish aid ship was stormed.

"The ambassador [Gabby Levy] was summoned to the foreign ministry. We will convey our reaction in the strongest terms," the diplomat, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

Meanwhile in Turkey, local media is reporting police have blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul following the flotilla attack.

CNN-Turk and NTV televisions showed dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police, who are guarding the consulate in downtown Istanbul.

The protesters were shouting "damn Israel", the Associated Press reported.

The ships, carrying more than 700 passengers, were on the last leg of a high-profile mission to deliver about 10,000 tonnes of building and other supplies to Gaza, which has been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007.

Huwaida Arraf, chairwoman of the Free Gaza Movement, told AFP earlier by phone from the boat Challenger 1 that the ships had expected a confrontation with Israel today.

The boats had started heading towards Gaza from international waters of Cyprus at 3pm local time (1200 GMT) on Sunday, with organisers saying they hoped to enter Gaza waters during the daylight hours.

About six hours after their departure, three Israeli missile boats left their naval base in Haifa on a mission to intercept the flotilla, reporters on board one of the vessels said before being told to turn off their phones.

Israel has slammed as "illegal" the convoy's attempt to break the Gaza blockade and warned it would intercept the ships, tow them to the port of Ashdod and detain the activists before seeking to deport them.

In Gaza, anti-siege activists on Sunday called on the international community to ensure the protection of the flotilla, which had been aiming to arrive on Saturday but was repeatedly delayed.

"I am asking the international community to protect these boats from the Israeli threat," independent Palestinian MP Jamal al-Khudari told a news conference on a boat anchored outside the Gaza port.

"If Israel blocks them, they have a strategy for getting here," said Mr Khudari, who heads the Gaza-based Committee to Lift the Siege. He did not elaborate.

With the flotilla expected to approach at some stage over the next 24 hours, Gaza fishermen took to the sea flying Palestinian flags as well as those of Greece, Ireland, Sweden and Turkey - all of which sent boats.

Demonstrators also released scores of balloons with pictures tied to them of children killed during Israel's massive 22-day offensive against Gaza that ended in January 2009.

Mr Khudari said the convoy, which is carrying hundreds of civilians and a handful of European MPs, would stop outside Gaza territorial waters before attempting to make landfall.

It will travel "in two stages", he said: "First they will stop in international waters at 30 nautical miles [from Gaza], and tomorrow [Monday] they will reach the shore."

Audrey Bomse, legal adviser to the Free Gaza Movement, said the activists were considering sending "a second wave" of boats later this week.

Israel has called the convoy a media stunt, insisting the humanitarian situation is stable in Gaza despite reports to the contrary from aid agencies and offering to deliver the supplies through its own land crossings.

"This is a provocation intended to delegitimise Israel," Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said on Saturday.

"If the flotilla had a genuine humanitarian goal, then its organisers should have transferred something for the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit as well," he said of the Israeli snatched by militants in 2006 and held by the Hamas Islamist movement, which runs the enclave.

The activists responded on their website that they had offered to take in a letter for the soldier from his family but received no response from their lawyer.

Hamas's refusal to release Mr Shalit is cited by Israel as one of the main reasons for imposing the economic blockade on Gaza in the wake of the group's violent takeover of the territory.

Pro-Palestinian activists have landed in Gaza five times, with another three unsuccessful attempts since their first such voyage in August 2008. The latest is their biggest operation.

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And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Matthew 25:40

"There was extreme violence from the moment that our forces reached the ship, it was premeditated and included weapons, iron bars, knives and at a certain stage firearms, perhaps in some cases weapons that were snatched from soldiers," he said.

Does this mean the flotilla had no firearms at the beginning of the raid Seems they wouldnt have bothered hurling chunks of metal and knives at the soldiers if they were armed.

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"Do not let your hatred of a people incite you to aggression." Qur'an 5:2At the heart of that Western freedom and democracy is the belief that the individual man, the child of God, is the touchstone of value..." -RFK

Does this mean the flotilla had no firearms at the beginning of the raid Seems they wouldnt have bothered hurling chunks of metal and knives at the soldiers if they were armed.

Right! And shame on those palestinians for throwing rocks at the black-hooded soldiers descending from helicopters! They were inciting violence!

The nations are 'shocked'.... (funny how they're ALWAYS "Shocked" at what the Israelis do to the Palestinians.. but that never really turns into action.) Israel is still using the Holocaust to justify their genocide of Palestinians. The ultimate doublethink.

Furious Turkish protesters tried to storm Israel’s consulate in Istanbul then marched toward the city’s main square denouncing Israel because of the deaths, which drew condemnation from around the world. Arab countries expressed outrage and European countries with passengers aboard the ships summoned the Israeli ambassadors home and called for an investigation.

Turkey, which currently holds a rotating seat on the U.N. Security Council, demanded it meet about the killings, which Prime Minister Bulent Arinc equated with “piracy.” He denied Israeli statements that some on the ships headed for the Gaza Strip were armed and had attacked the Israeli soldiers.

The raid was a devastating blow to relations between the long-time allies, already deeply strained by tensions about Israeli actions in Gaza. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was cutting short his Latin America tour and was expected to return home Tuesday.

Arinc said, however, that there would be no immediate action on the country’s defense cooperation with Israel.

Three of the ships were Turkish-flagged, including the main passenger ship, and the convoy was led by a pro-Islamic Turkish aid group. Arinc said about 400 of 581 passengers on the main ship, the Mavi Marmara, were Turks.

“I strongly condemn the use of force by Israeli military forces on an aid convoy composed of 32 countries, including Turkey,” he said. “This attack must not remain unanswered.

“We are calling our ambassador today. We have also canceled three military drills with Israel, as well as calling back our under-18 soccer team from Israel.”

He ruled out deploying Turkish warships in the Mediterranean. Two of the canceled military drills were search-and-rescue exercises in the Mediterranean, and the third was a drill in Israel later this year.

He insisted the Turkish government was not involved in the organization of the flotilla, saying it was an act of non-governmental organizations.

But he disputed reports that the Israelis only opened fire after being attacked by activists with sticks, knives and live fire from weapons seized from the Israeli commandos.

“Israel might be trying to defend itself or justify its action,” Arinc said. “What we know is that the ships were totally unarmed and set sail for humanitarian purposes.”

Suzan Fraser of the Associated Press in Ankara contributed to this report.

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And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Matthew 25:40

All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately

who the hell authorized it, who controlled the intelligence to say there was a threat. all up and down the chain, they need to expose this or they are covering it up.

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All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately

I bet your holiday was goin' swell until this, (apart from the oil leak and the nwo takeover happening)now are you gonna keep your holiday name or has the great Sane returned for a while?

bwaaahahaha, you guys keep me sane. if i can help expose, as smedley butler did, that war is a racket to help end these genocides just one minute earlier than they would have ended without all of our efforts than all of my holiday wishes are answered. to expose the unconstitutional psychopathic masters of war who continue to use our (and everyone else's) brave soldiers for geopolitical chessgames rather than to defend "we the people" is all i wish to do on memorial day: http://www.masters-of-war.org/mowvideo2007.html

According to former Secretary of State, Sir Henry Kissinger:Military men are just dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns for foreign policy.

We owe it to all of the brave soldiers who have fought, suffered injuries (physically, mentally, and spiritually), and/or perished defending our freedoms to prove that piece of shit wrong!

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All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately

Talkbacks (2) The National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau (NSCCTB) issued a severe travel warning to Israelis in Turkey, and urged Israelis to keep from traveling there.

"In response to the events surrounding the protest flotilla, there are growing protests by the government and public in Turkey. This delicate state of affairs is liable to deteriorate into violent outbreaks against Israelis in Turkey," the warning said.

The move came as a response to unrest in Turkey, where protesters had tried to storm the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul over an IDF raid on the “Free Gaza”ships in international waters earlier in the day which left at least 15 activists dead.

"Israelis due to leave for Turkey should – at this stage – refrain from traveling until the situation becomes clear," the statement added.

"Israelis currently in Turkey should remain in their places of residence, avoid city centers and sites in which demonstrations are being held, and monitor developments out of concern that the situation could worsen."

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I'M A DEPLORABLE KNUCKLEHEAD THAT SUPPORTS PRESIDENT TRUMP. MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND KEEP HIM SAFE.

who the hell authorized it, who controlled the intelligence to say there was a threat. all up and down the chain, they need to expose this or they are covering it up.

Hi S.Just the wording itself gives me pause, an inquiry, an investigation, we have seen this terminoligy many times before, the beggining of a coordianted SPIN.Though at this pont they don't require it, they could easly insert a weapon or explosives etc., then stating the Mossad were of prior knowlegde of this weapons insertion, a set up, (as if they needed it). With the backing of our regime they do not.The ultimate cover for the elites woud be a full blown FF, leading to an Iran attack,and the beggining of the end............Of the scale, I have my doubts.

PS. Those who may have doubts about AJ, I sincerely suggest you review his past and his dedication and contributions to the truth.

Talkbacks (2) The National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau (NSCCTB) issued a severe travel warning to Israelis in Turkey, and urged Israelis to keep from traveling there.

"In response to the events surrounding the protest flotilla, there are growing protests by the government and public in Turkey. This delicate state of affairs is liable to deteriorate into violent outbreaks against Israelis in Turkey," the warning said.

The move came as a response to unrest in Turkey, where protesters had tried to storm the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul over an IDF raid on the “Free Gaza”ships in international waters earlier in the day which left at least 15 activists dead.

"Israelis due to leave for Turkey should – at this stage – refrain from traveling until the situation becomes clear," the statement added.

"Israelis currently in Turkey should remain in their places of residence, avoid city centers and sites in which demonstrations are being held, and monitor developments out of concern that the situation could worsen."

Israel said 10 people died while those on the ship said at least 15 were killed.

A shocked world has responded with outrage. Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel and warned of unprecedented and incalculable reprisals.

Two Turkish activists were reported to be among those killed in the flotilla. Ankara warned that further supply vessels will be sent to Gaza, escorted by the Turkish Navy, a development with unpredictable consequences.

Israel has sounded an alert throughout the country fearing rocket attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Arab League has called an urgent meeting on Tuesday to decide on a common response. Egypt is under pressure to end the blockade of Gaza while Greece has cancelled a military exercise with Isreal.

The world is waiting for the response from Washington, how will President Obama react to the provocation from America's closest ally.*

Israel said 10 people died while those on the ship said at least 15 were killed.

A shocked world has responded with outrage. Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel and warned of unprecedented and incalculable reprisals.

Two Turkish activists were reported to be among those killed in the flotilla. Ankara warned that further supply vessels will be sent to Gaza, escorted by the Turkish Navy, a development with unpredictable consequences.

Israel has sounded an alert throughout the country fearing rocket attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Arab League has called an urgent meeting on Tuesday to decide on a common response. Egypt is under pressure to end the blockade of Gaza while Greece has cancelled a military exercise with Isreal.

The world is waiting for the response from Washington, how will President Obama react to the provocation from America's closest ally.*

(With inputs from Agencies)

*Yes, that should be amusing.

Bammy can't be bothered....he is on vacation in Ill, NOT attending the Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlingotn. THE FIRST PRES to NOT attend in OUR HISTORY.....I am a veteran...F()CK theat POS>

Pro-Palestinian Turks shout slogans "death to Israel" as they protest against Israel, at the entrance of Israeli ambassador's residence in Ankara on Monday. Photo: AP.

Greece on Monday said that a joint air force exercise with Israel has been cancelled, following an early Monday morning attack on foreign activists by Israel?s military.

Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas made the announcement following emergency talks with Israel?s ambassador to Athens after at least 10 foreign activists were killed after the Israel navy stormed a flotilla of six ships bound for the Gaza ship with aid.

The flotilla of six boats, containing 10,000 tons of aid had been warned before setting sail for Gaza that it would be denied entry.

Reports said there were more than 40 Greek activists, doctors and journalists sailing on the two Greek ships.

Earlier, Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Grigoris Delavekouras said it was not certain whether there were any Greek casualties.

Greece's air force had begun joint training exercises with Israel off the southern Mediterranean island of Crete on May 9.

The manoeuvres, code named Minoas 2010, were expected to run until June 3 and consisted of aerial manoeuvres and knowledge exchange involving 10 Israeli F16 and F15 fighters.

The operation also involved simulated aerial combat, attacks on terrestrial targets, aerial refuelling and search and rescue missions from the air force base of Souda to the Aegean island of Aghios Eftrastio.

Greece and Israel began joint manoeuvres in 1994, although the aim to date had been natural disaster response. Combat equipment was first used in such exercises last June.

The Israeli Air Force began joint training exercises with the Greek Air Force on the island of Crete in the Aegean Sea. The exercise, codenamed "MINOAS 2010", includes training for aerial combat, attacks on terrestrial targets, long-range missions and mid-air refueling. The exercise will also include search and rescue missions from Souda air force base up to the Aegean island of Aghios Eftrastio.

"MINOAS 2010", is scheduled to continue through the weekend. 10 IAF aircraft are participating in the exercise – five F-15I 'Rams' and five F16I 'Sufas'. These are the latest aircraft in the IAF combat fighter fleet and are able to carry out long-range attack missions. An IAF refueling KC-807 tanker is also reported to be taking part in the exercise.

On the Greek side, 15 - F16s are believed to be participating. It is also expected that IAF CH-53 helicopters will arrive in Greece to train in simulated aircrew rescue operations, behind enemy lines.

The IAF has recently carried out several joint training exercises with different air forces in Europe and North America in order to improve the capabilities of its pilots in long-range missions. The Israeli Air Force is training its aircrews to cope with various modern air defense systems, known to be deployed with Arab nations. The IDF spokesman's office confirmed IAF's participation in the joint exercise with Greece and said that it was planned in advance on this year's training schedule.

How close is Greece to Turkey to Iran?

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All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately